Under-8s are underwhelmed by role models

The idea that footballers such as Wayne Rooney and David Beckham are role models for children is a myth, according to new research.

Dr Simon Brownhill, education expert at the University of Derby, said children aged eight or below were unable to grasp the concept of what a role model is until they are older.

Dr Brownhill surveyed 178 men who work in nursery and primary school settings to see if they saw themselves as role models for children.

But he found respondents could not give clear meaning to the term "role model", giving instead many differing definitions.

In his research, Dr Brownhill found respondents felt teachers and parents set more of an example for youngsters than sports stars and celebrities.

He said: "The results suggest children aged eight or younger are still finding their feet and do not have a clear understanding of what a role model is."